Big Horn Trout Bite Stays Strong in Late Summer

Evening from Big Horn Montana, this is Artificial Lure reporting on fishing conditions for August 28, 2025. Today on the Bighorn River, we saw steady angling action as the river continues its late summer trend—flowing low at 2,200 cfs, which means clear water and technical presentations according to local guide Pete’s latest report. Morning hours brought the best bite for both rainbow and brown trout, as surface activity peaked just after sunrise at 6:26 AM. With sunset coming in at 8:04 PM, anglers on the evening drift also found decent takes just before the light faded. Weather-wise, Montana got a refreshingly mild day. The forecast called for a high near 60°F and a mix of sun with the occasional thundercloud passing over, but most stretches of the river stayed dry and clear for the bulk of daylight. Humidity was up a notch, but the cooler temps kept fish feeding longer into the afternoon compared to last week’s hot spell. No tidal changes here in Big Horn, as we’re far from the salt—but water management flows still do impact river levels week to week. Recent catches are strong: locals are netting a steady mix of fat rainbows and some bruiser browns. Most trout are running 14 to 18 inches, with lucky sticks reporting fish pushing 20. Midge and trico hatches are consistent early; trico spinner falls remain the highlight right at dawn. Into midday, small terrestrials like hoppers and ants produced strikes near grassy banks, with podded up trout sipping in riffled shallows. For best results right now, you want to downsize your rigs. Dry fly anglers are sticking to #18-22 tricos and midges, with CDC emergers and small parachutes especially hot. Nymphing remains reliable—think #16-18 beaded pheasant tails and zebra midges on lighter tippet. If flows pick up after rain, switch to small streamer patterns like olive woolly buggers (sizes 8-10) or try the Megabass Anthrax style swim baits for aggressive browns, matching the profile to smaller baitfish. Bait anglers—where legal—are getting results with nightcrawlers and small cut bait, though most locals and guides stick to fly and artificial presentations. The low flows mean stealth is key: consider fluorocarbon leaders and a gentle footstep when wading. Hotspots today: the Afterbay access saw consistent catch rates, especially in the slow seams below the launch and just above 13 Mile access. Downriver, the Two Leggings stretch to Soap Creek continues to produce, especially for those willing to make a longer walk or drift and target unpressured pockets. Early risers and dusk casters are scoring the most, as midday sunshine shuts down the bite for a couple hours. No major stocking changes were announced for the region, and the river’s wild fish population keeps delivering memorable fights. There’s plenty of room for both wade and boat anglers—just remember to respect the fish and each other as the season heads toward autumn. Thanks for tuning in to today’s Bighorn River fishing report! Be sure t This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.